Cheteshwar Pujara Launches Indian Healthcare League by Whitecoat Sports — A Groundbreaking Sports Platform for Doctors

New Delhi : In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Whitecoat Sports unveiled the Indian Healthcare League (IHL) — a revolutionary sports platform dedicated exclusively to doctors, blending cricket, social awareness, and mental health advocacy. Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara officially inaugurated the league, calling it a powerful movement with the potential to become India’s second-biggest sports league, aimed at inspiring both the medical fraternity and society at large.

IHL goes beyond just fitness — it is built on a dual mission: raising cancer awareness and prioritizing the mental health of healthcare professionals. With doctors often facing burnout due to long hours and high stress, this league provides a platform for them to rejuvenate through sports, foster camaraderie, and engage with the public on critical health issues.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Rahul Mangal, CMD of Whitecoat Sports, said, “We strongly believe in a doctor-first approach. IHL isn’t just about physical fitness but about addressing the two urgent needs of our time — cancer awareness and mental health. Through sports, we aim to build stronger, healthier doctors who can lead healthier communities.”

The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including:

• Dr. G.K. Rath, former Director, NCI-AIIMS Jhajjar

• Dr. Balram Bhargava, former DG, ICMR

• Dr. Anil Jain, former Rajya Sabha MP and President, All India Tennis Association

• Dr. Kaushal Verma, Dean (Academics), AIIMS Delhi

• Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Chairman, Max Institute of Cancer Care

• Dr. Gaurav Agarwal, EVP, Max Hospital

• P.N. Arora, MD, Yashoda Medicity

• Adv. Amit Sharma, Chairman, Nivoc Super Speciality Hospital

Also present were Sejal Mehta, Director of Whitecoat Sports; Dr. Adhir Yadav, Dr. Prashant Vaishya, Dr. Bhagwan Vishnoi, and Sunil Kumar Sharma, among others.

Cheteshwar Pujara, speaking at the ceremony, said, “The Indian Healthcare League is a unique initiative celebrating the health of those who dedicate their lives to keeping us healthy. By promoting cancer awareness and mental wellness among doctors, this league is more than a sporting event — it’s a movement for change. I believe it has the potential to become India’s second-biggest sports league and will inspire both doctors and the public to embrace fitness and preventive healthcare.”

The first season of the league will feature six regional franchise teams representing different parts of India:

• Delhi Avatars

• Gujarat Lionhearts

• Rajasthan Lake City Warriors

• Maharashtra Med Titans

• Haryana Juggernauts

• Uttar Pradesh Super Kings

These teams will compete in a spirit of sportsmanship, showcasing how healthcare professionals can balance their demanding careers with physical fitness, teamwork, and social engagement.

Nishant Mehta, CEO of IHL, added, “Doctors spend their lives caring for others, often neglecting their own well-being. With IHL, we aim to give them a platform to focus on their health while using sport to spotlight key issues like cancer and mental health. It’s a dual mission — one that will impact both the medical community and society at large.”